RACINE (WITI) -- 61-year-old Thomas Adams, the Horlick High School gym teacher charged with child enticement, pleaded not guilty during his arraignment Wednesday, February 27th. During the court appearance Adams also waived his preliminary hearing and is bound over for trial.
Adams is scheduled to return to court April 12th for a pre-trial conference.
The two-page criminal complaint indicates the enticement incidents allegedly occurred repeatedly over a two-day period at the school starting on Thursday, February 7th. The complaint says Adams asked the 15-year-old girl to show him her bra and chest. He apparently said “you’re sexy” several times — and told the girl, “You’re going to get me fired.”
The criminal complaint indicates Adams made comments about the girl’s outfits, her smile and her eyes.
The complaint says on one day, the girl forgot her gym shirt, and Adams asked her to show him what she was wearing underneath her warm-up jacket, saying “just one quick peek,” and “just unzip it a little bit so I can see.”
The complaint indicates on another day, the victim stated that Adams made a comment similar to, “You could have gotten an A+++ if you followed through with the deal, but there’s always next time.”
Adams’ sister was in court and maintains the charges are bogus. “I mean, he is the salt of the Earth. Believe me,” said Rhonda Barnes. “He didn’t do it. He must have failed somebody and they’re getting back. That’s the only thing I can think of.”
Outside of Horlick High School, students are skeptical of the charges as well. They say Adams taught them about the consequences of sexual harassment in health classes and as a coach.
Adams was a former Racine police officer from 1979 to 1989. He’s being held on $20,000 bond.
If convicted, Adams faces up to 25 years in prison.